Keep me in jail, ex-general asks court

The former military comptroller accused of the plunder of more than P300 million from the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Arroyo administration wants to stay behind bars even after his two-year sentence for failing to disclose his assets is up next month.

In a two-page letter to the Sandiganbayan’s Special Second Division on Aug. 2, retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia stated his preference for remaining at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) instead of being transferred to another detention facility when his sentence ends on Sept. 15.

“May I respectfully request from the honorable justices that in the event of release I be committed to and continue my detention here at the NBP,” said Garcia.

Garcia expressed satisfaction in his newfound role as a lay minister at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel inside the NBP. He has reportedly immersed himself in the reformation and safeguarding programs of the Bureau of Corrections.

“I assist the bureau chaplain in rendering religious and spiritual services to my fellow detainees. Also, it gives me the opportunity to attend church services daily,” he said.